Organic Producers Reminded of Certification Reimbursement Deadline

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) reminds the state’s organic producers that funds are available to reimburse them for their certification cost. The application deadline is Nov. 15, 2015 for fees incurred before the end of September of this year.

The program includes multiple scopes within each operation. National Organic Program certification is required. Reimbursement can be for up to 75 percent of the cost, not to exceed $750, per scope. Diverse operations may receive funds for up to four different scopes.

According to the National Ag Statistics Service, nearly 80,000 acres qualified for the organic distinction in South Dakota in 2014. Of the 80 organic farms, half report sales between $100,000 and $500,000 annually. Most all the operations have a crop focus, while a handful also include certification for livestock.

Grant information and an application are available on SDDA’s website. For more information, call Ag Development representative Bob Weyrich at 605.431.8002.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter.